The National Theatre has announced a UK tour of Bijan Sheibani’s production of A Taste of Honey, Shelagh Delaney’s taboo-breaking 1950s play which was first produced in the Lyttelton Theatre in 2014. Designed by Hildegard Bechtler, the piece has been reconceived in an exciting new production, featuring a live onstage band, and will star Jodie Prenger as Helen. Further casting is to be announced.

As part of this year’s open-air concert line-up Live At Chelsea, some of the biggest names in musical theatre were joined by the Royal Symphonic Concert Orchestra to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most influential musical theatre composers of all time.

Fat Friends The Musical might not be the kind of show you see over and over again, but if you’re looking for a fun, feel-good night out then you can’t go too far wrong with what is an enjoyable production.

On paper, Fat Friends the Musical ticks all the boxes: a nostalgic revival of a much-loved TV series, written by the show’s original creator Kay Mellor; a heart-warming story about loving yourself and your body no matter what you weigh.

Fat Friends the Musical has got quick wit and northern humour, a cast who is as passionate about the production as the audience appears to be, and it’s got Kay’s Mellor’s life-affirming stamp on it, too. Uplifting, joyous and surely on target for a West End transfer.

Written after Educating Rita and Blood Brothers, and very much in a similar tone, Shirley Valentine is the feel-good, feel-sad tale of a woman who realises that the best bits of life have passed her by. Here is regret and self-doubt written in the life a 42 year-old woman with grown-up kids – and a husband who uses the fact that he loves her to ignore her.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the first major revival of this national treasure will embark on a UK tour in 2017. Opening on Thursday 2 March 2016 in Bromley, Shirley Valentine will star much-loved actress Jodie Prenger as Shirley.